Going into a mine can be serious and dangerous if the mine is not being looked after properly. Geotechnical monitoring instruments are used to ensure the infrastructure of the mine is safe and in proper condition. There are many different types of geotechnical monitoring instruments that can be used to do different things, but all achieve the same goal of keeping the mine safe. Some types of these instruments are:
– Contractometer
– Multi-Point Borehole Extensometer
– Sloughmeter
– Thermistor String
– Instrumented Cable Bolt
On average mines go through much stress, but often they undergo accidental man-made stress. These stressors occur commonly from regular mining operations, but they can lead to serious harm. Different types of stress can cause collapse, can increase the load on rock and soil within the mine, and can lead to failures.
Installing geotechnical monitoring instruments can mitigate these risks by keeping miners informed on the shape and treatment their mine is in. These different instruments allow miners to check regularly for different movements and assess the situation accordingly.
Installing geotechnical monitoring instruments is typically low-cost to install and require little to no maintenance. Depending on the system installed, they consume low amounts of energy, and can save on energy costs. Geotechnical monitoring systems also have a long lifespan. They often do not need to be replaced and will give years of service long before they need to be replaced.
